What do different grades of willow mean?
What Is Willow Grading?
The Different Levels of Willow Grading
Limited Edition Players Grade Willow
What it looks like
- Best of the best willow with straight, even grains that could have anywhere from 7 to 12+ grains
- Clean, light-coloured blade with ‘LE
Players’ engraved on the face - Minimal to no blemishes with guaranteed performance
Who it’s for
- Professional and elite-level players
- Cricketers who want the cleanest-looking bat possible
Players Limited Edition Grade bats are crafted from high-quality English willow, selected for strong performance potential and visual appeal. They offer excellent ping, a defined sweet spot, and balanced pickup – delivering the confidence and consistency demanded in competitive cricket. SCC Limited-Edition Players Grade Willow bats are all Australian made and hand crafted.
Players Grade Willow
What it looks like
- Top grade willow with anywhere from 6-12+
grains that are straight and consistent - Clean, light-coloured face that is even
all over - Very minor natural blemishes may be
present
Who it’s for
- Professional and elite-level players
- Cricketers who want a clean looking bat
that maximizes performance
Players Grade bats are selected for their strong playing characteristics, offering impressive ping, a generous sweet spot, and reliable durability. While visually premium, the real value lies in the performance – delivering match-ready power and balance for serious cricketers. SCC Players
Grade Willow bats are all Australian made and hand crafted.
Grade 1.0 Willow
What it looks like
- Straight, evenly spaced grains (usually 6–10)
- Clean, light-coloured face
- Minimal to no visible blemishes
Who it’s for
- High level players and frequent users
- Cricketers who want a clean looking bat with trusted performance
Grade 1.0 bats offer outstanding value, combining strong performance characteristics with minor, if any, visual imperfections. Expect excellent ping, a solid sweet spot, and reliable durability – making it a popular choice for serious players who want premium feel without the premium price tag you get from the Players and Players LE.
Grade 2.0 Willow
What it looks like
- Mostly straight grains, but may have slight waviness
- Minor cosmetic marks or colour variation
- Still very clean overall
Who it’s for
- Serious club cricketers
- Players who want high performance without paying a premium for perfection
In terms of performance, Grade
2.0 bats are often indistinguishable from Grade 1.0. The difference is largely cosmetic thus lowering the price of the 2.0.
Grade 3.0 Willow
What it looks like
- Fewer grains or wider grain spacing
- More visible marks, knots, or colour differences
- Slightly darker appearance
Who it’s for
- Club players
- Training and match bats for regular use
Grade 3.0 bats are where value really shines. They may not look as pretty, but many have excellent ping and durability once knocked in. They are a great choice if you’re looking for a bat that can perform without needing it to look premium in its grain content.
Grade 5.0 Willow
What it looks like
- Uneven or fewer grains
- Obvious cosmetic blemishes
- Darker or more mixed colouring
Who it’s for
- Beginners and casual players
- Nets, practice, and junior cricketers
These bats prioritize affordability and durability. While they won’t win beauty contests, they’re more than capable of doing the job for learning and recreational play. This can be a great option for a secondary bat to be used in the nets for higher level players.
